Manuel Velázquez passes away

He played for Real Madrid between 1965 and 1977 and won one European Cup, six league titles and three Spanish Cups.

Manuel Velázquez Villaverde, who played for Real Madrid between 1965 and 1977, today passed away in Fuengirola (Málaga), aged 72. Velázquez lifted the European Cup with the yeyé team and was a vital cog in the midfield of a side which dominated Spanish football throughout the 1960s. In addition to lifting the club's sixth European crown, he won six league titles and three Spanish cups.

Velázquez was born in Madrid on 24th January 1943 and was one of the club's all-time best academy graduates, which he went on to show during his twelve seasons as a member of the first-team squad. During this period Velázquez made 402 appearances. His intelligence, technical ability and elegance saw the Bernabéu enjoy the performances of a player who was the creative force behind Real Madrid's play.

The sixth European Cup in his first season

In his first season as a Real Madrid player, Velázquez led the team to victory against Partizan Belgrade as Real Madrid were crowned champions of Europe for the sixth time. It was the best possible start to a successful club career in which he scored 59 goals and was capped by Spain.

His body will be taken to Fuengirola's mortuary. A mass will be held on Saturday at 5pm CET at Fuengirola cemetery, after which Velázquez will be buried. Real Madrid share his family's pain and send their condolences.